What is a Stock Certificate?

A Stock Certificate is a legal document that certifies ownership of a specific number of stock shares in a Corporation.
A Stock Certificate is also called a Certificate of Stock or a Share Certificate.
When you buy shares of Corporate Stock, a Stock Certificate may not always be issued.

A Stock Certificate is evidence of ownership interest in a Corporation.
A Stock Certificate may be issued for both Common Stock or Preferred Stock.

Ownership of Corporate Stock allows the owner (shareholder) to exercise all rights and privileges associated with being a shareholder in the Corporation, including voice and vote in shareholders meetings.
Ownership of a majority of shares allows the shareholders to run the Corporation as they see fit.